The 1926 Heritage Hotel In Penang Starts A New Chapter In Its Rich History With The Ascott Limited

In 1926, George Town was one of the busiest and most cosmopolitan ports in the world as part of the Straits Settlements controlled by the British. Along Jalan Burma in the heart of Penang, 24 double-storey, interconnected houses were built as official residences for British administrative officers. A century on, these buildings have been revitalised and transformed into the 1926 Heritage Hotel as part of The Unlimited Collection by The Ascott Limited. The stately Anglo-Malay façade has been restored in clean white and warm beige tones, while the lobby features a feature art wall of French-inspired straw marquetry depicting palm trees and panthers, the state’s official animal.

Within the 78 rooms and suites, alongside plush bedding and premium bath essentials, are charming watercolour paintings that offer glimpses of familiar Penang scenes, from Argyll Road to the Wesley Methodist Church.

Facilities include an all-day dining establishment, a lounge bar, an outdoor swimming pool, a spa and an upcoming hair salon, a gymnasium equipped with Technogym equipment, and a function room that accommodates up to 80 guests. The hotel acts as a gateway to the island’s offerings, from the Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded Green House Prawn Mee & Loh Mee just steps away, to the heritage temples of Lorong Burma and the creative community hub, Hin Bus Depot.

Datuk Frank Koay, owner of the 1926 Heritage Hotel, shares, “The story of the hotel is, in many ways, a reflection of Penang itself. It is located along a historic residential corridor that was once a distinguished enclave of garden homes, shaped by a diverse community of Chinese, Thai, Burmese, and Eurasian residents. Their presence continues to be felt today in the temples, architecture, and everyday rhythms of the neighbourhood.

“The property has evolved alongside the island from its early days as a place of residence, through various phases of use, and now into its current chapter as a heritage hotel. Each layer of its past has left an imprint, whether in its architectural form or in the spirit of the place. Heritage is not something we preserve and leave behind—it is something we continue to live with and pass on.”

The hotel also introduces a new culinary establishment, Root House by Gēn, by Johnson Wong, chef-founder of the Michelin-Selected Gēn. “The menu is shaped by the profound dialogue between Malaysia and China,” Wong says. “We focus on the cycle of flavours created by the movement of people and the passage of time. For our guests, we want the experience to feel like a bridge between eras.” The menu reflects and reinterprets the unique culinary identities of the five major dialect groups: Hokkien, Cantonese, Teochew, Hakka, and Hainanese.

Koay explains the guiding philosophy behind the property: “From the outset, we were very clear that this was not simply a restoration project—it was about stewardship. This was a shared vision between The Ascott Limited and me, where we approached the property with a deep respect for its history, while recognising the need to keep it relevant for today.”

From now until 31 July 2026, book a Heritage Room from only RM428+ per room per night, complete with complimentary daily breakfast for two persons. For reservations and enquiries, email: [email protected].